Congenital Heart Diseases
Dionysia Nousi, Anna Sitta
Thursday, May 1, 2014
Publication year:
2014
Authors:
- Nousi Dionysia, RN, Μsc, Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center Hospital, Athens
- Sitta Anna, Head Nurse of paedo-cardiosurgical nursing unit, Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center Hospital, Athens
Keywords index:
Pages: 117-124
Abstract:
Congenital heart diseases are seen in about 8-10 babies out of 1000 live births. These abnormalities may be caused either by environmental factors that affect the mother or are inherited via abnormal genes from the affected parent. Congenital heart diseases can be broadly classified as 'Cyanotic' or 'Acyanotic' andmay range from simple defects with no symptoms to complex defects with severe, life-threatening symptoms. Diagnosis and treatment of complex heart defects have greatly improved over the past few decades. As a result, it is remarked an increase in survival of children with complex heart defects to adulthood that they can live active, productive lives. Many congenital heart defects can be found at pregnancy via an ultrasound. The treatment that will be followed after the birth depends on the type and severity of the disease. For example, some congenital heart diseases can be treated with medication alone whereas others need to be treated with one or more heart surgeries.
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